Digital apprenticeship certificates
What employers and training providers need to know
Apprentices can now access and download their apprenticeship certificates through a new digital service introduced by the Department for Education (DfE).
The service marks a move towards digital-first apprenticeship certification, giving apprentices a more accessible way to view their achievements and share proof of their qualification with employers and other organisations.
The service is now live, and the DfE has updated its guidance for employers to reflect the change.
How does the new digital certificate service work?
The online service allows eligible apprentices who completed an apprenticeship in England after 1 February 2012 to access their certificates digitally.
Apprentices can use the service to:
• View and download their apprenticeship certificates.
• Share a secure verification link with employers and other third parties.
• Request a printed certificate if they prefer a physical copy.
To access the service, apprentices will need a GOV.UK One Login and may be asked to verify their identity. Having their Unique Learner Number (ULN) available can help them access their records.
The digital service is being introduced alongside the existing printed certificate process, providing apprentices with an additional way to access and share evidence of their achievement.
Access the service: View, download or request an apprenticeship certificate.
What do training providers and employers need to know?
Training providers and employers can help apprentices prepare to access their certificates by encouraging them to keep their ULN readily available and explaining how to use the online service.
Employers should also be aware that apprentices can share a verification link to demonstrate their achievement, providing a straightforward way to confirm their apprenticeship certificate.
The DfE has updated its guidance for employers supporting apprentices through End-Point Assessment, including information about accessing certificates following successful completion.
Supporting apprentices beyond assessment
Completing an apprenticeship is an important milestone. Ensuring apprentices can access and share evidence of their achievement is an important part of recognising that success.
The launch of the digital certificate service gives eligible apprentices another way to access their certificates and demonstrate their achievements to employers and other organisations.
For employers and training providers, understanding how the service works will help them direct apprentices to the right information when they need it.
For further information, visit the Department for Education’s digital apprenticeship certificate service.
